1st Appointment

I am having my first appointment with Dr. Lavin this month and was wondering what I might expect.

Catherine, I can't help you with this doctor but I know there are a few people on this board that have used him. I hope you get a response soon. Take care, Jodi

Catherine, Dr. Lavin did my lap RYN on 9/29/04. He is a great surgeon. Also, Chris, the NP, is so nice. You will be given papers to have blood work and tests done. You will be weighed on a digital scale that gives a printout of your BMI and other info. You must be barefoot to weigh on the scale. Have you been to a seminar yet? Are you going to the Metairie office on Severn? Let me know if you have any questions. Good luck! Lynn J. -157 lbs.

I went to a Seminar in January @ Omega. I had my blood work done and I am having my sleep apnea test done tonight. I am paying cash. I am going to the Omega Office but they said my surgery will probably be in Covington b/c I am paying cash.

Catherine, I had my surgery at Lakeview Regional in Covington. It wasn't bad even though I live in Jefferson parish. I was only in the hospital 2 nights and my husband spent the first night in my room. Then on the day I went home, I just called him when I was discharged and he crossed the Causeway and picked me up. I was given a prescription for pain pills but didn't take any after I got home. You are in good hands with this group of doctors. Good luck! Let me know if you have any questions. Lynn J., lap RNY 9/29/04 -157 lbs

What I was wondering is after my first appointment, how long before I will maybe have the surgery? I am paying cash, so no approval, I had my blood work done, and I did my sleep study last night. What other tests are involved?

Catherine, After they got my blood test results, Chris decided that I needed cardiac clearance, so I had to go to a cardiologist and have a heart test. I think it was an echo, I'm not sure. You should be able to have your surgery soon. Good luck. Dr Lavin is the best. Lynn J., lap RNY 9/29/04 -157 lbs.

Hi Catherine I too am using the Lavin group and am self pay. I am in the process of deciding between RNY or DS leaning more to DS the more I research. It has been about 1 month since my first consult but I had an appointment canceled because of an emergency with the DR. I had to have an Upper GI done by Dr. Thomas because of esphogus (SP.) problems. Good luck. I am in the Covington office. Let me know you progress--we are about in the same place in our journey. The entire practice and office staff have a wonderful reputation. Both Drs. Levin and Thomas are proctors in the field. We are lucky to have such a great practice in our area. betty